Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Gone But Not Forgotten: Angel's Back From Hell and He's Got the Mopeys.

For the first few episodes after Angel returns from Hell, he's in pretty bad shape. He's weak, he's mentally broken down, and he's totally lost his swagger. A hundred years in Hell will do that to a guy.

David Boreanaz as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Beauty and the Beasts

David Boreanaz as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Beauty and the Beasts

He writhes around, he's feral, Buffy watches him while thinking vaguely poetic thoughts. I have to say, if I were in her shoes, I wouldn't be sitting thirty feet away. I'd be doling out the hugs and comfort like nobody's business.

David Boreanaz as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Beauty and the Beasts

David Boreanaz as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Beauty and the Beasts

So Angel starts to get stronger and Buffy oh-so-casually mentions she's dating Scott, played by Fabrizio Filippo who I still think of as Johnny Angel from one of my favorite episodes of Are You Afraid of the Dark? Anyone? Anyone?

David Boreanaz as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Homecoming

Anywho, Angel doesn't take the news all that well. And Buffy's reasoning is lame. She doesn't seem to have any guilt over the whole sent-him-to-hell thing. Really? Instead, we're talking about her college plans? Ugh. I'm SO on Angel's side with that one.

David Boreanaz as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Homecoming

So then Angel does some ta'i chi and really, I think they just wanted an excuse for more shirtless David Boreanaz. Then again, I've never returned to earth after 100 years in Hell so what do I know? Maybe ta'i chi is the best cure for post-hell-trauma. Let's just admire the eye candy for a moment...

David Boreanaz as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Band Candy

David Boreanaz as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Band Candy

David Boreanaz as Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Band Candy

Turns out he's not all-together better. And after Buffy helps him back into his lair, they have a nice little moment. Weak Angel is on his way out and lovesick, guilt ridden Angel is on his way in. We're heading toward one of my favorite Buffy episodes, but there are a few more t'ai chi scenes to get through first.